Some common problems can be fixed using the tips below.

Make it a resolution to have valuable photos, music, videos, personal writing, art, financial statements, browser favorites, etc. safe and secure by backing-up regularly.

Backups can be as simple as copying and pasting files to a USB, writeable CD/DVD or external hard drive but this does not take into account the fact that people just don’t remember to do their backups.

In my opinion Microsoft’s Backup Utility doesn't handle CD or DVD-RW drives sufficiently so I recommend third-party software such as Second Copy 2000 ($29.95) Simply Safe Backup (FREE) or (My Own Backup) (FREE).

These can be used to automatically schedule backups.

Backup files for the New Year

Most system slow-downs are because of third party applications running in the background or loading upon Windows Start.
Click Start\Run\type in MSCONFIG & hit enter, Click the STARTUP Tab, uncheck what isn't needed.

In addition to your Anti-virus software (Trend Micro PC-cillin, Norton Anti-Virus, McAfee Virus Scan) run an anti-malware program such as SpywareBlaster, Swatit or Avast to eradicate many problems the antivirus program will  not.

For assistance with persistent or recurring problems give us a call (707.486.1786).

Long computer boot/ slow performance of programs

As this process could take a considerable amount of time (depending on hard drive size), you may want to wait until the end of the day to start this process.

Close all running programs and go to Start|Programs|Accessories|System Tools and Click on Disk Defragmenter. Choose the slow drive and Click Defragment.

Files slow to open/ save

To create a double-click shutdown shortcut on your desktop:

1. On your desktop, right-click on a blank spot and point to New, then click on Shortcut.

2. In the "Create Shortcut" window, type the following depending of the version of Windows you are using.

For Windows 95, 98, or Me type (or better yet, copy-and-paste):

C:\windows\rundll.exe user.exe,exitwindows

For Windows XP type or copy:

SHUTDOWN -s -t 01

3. Click the "Next" button.

4. Name the shortcut whatever you would like, and click the "Finish" button. Now whenever you want to shut down, just double click on this shortcut.

Easy Shutdown

Large metal objects (cabinets, metal doors) can block the signal. Change the position of the router's antenna or move the router. Check the antenna to make sure it's not broken.

For further analysis of your network for planned expansion or troubleshooting problems give us a call.